Saturday, June 10, 2006

Route No. 66


After a lazy Saturday in office, my feet take me to Fort Market for the journey home. After a long wait of 15 min, I spot her in the distance - the red standing out nicely against the white backdrop of the RBI Central Office. A brief halt, and we are off!!! Past the huge dome of the GPO, the spires of VT and the BMC headquarters, the old lady of Boribunder, we crawl. Then, its smooth sailing past the JJ School of Arts, Crawford Market, Bombay Police HQ and of course, St. Xavier's High School. It is on this stretch that the driver begins to display the true abilities of the red behemoth. The rush of cool evening air through the front window of the upper deck adds to the romance of the atmosphere. Then, we are in the crowded Girgaon zone. Still, the driver manages to make 'er move pretty fast, thanks to the people and cars scurrying out of the way in fright!!! But, she jerks and lurches about uncertainly. She is clearly not in her element on these crowded roads. After a brief race against an accelerating local past Charni Road, we are at Opera House. Oblivious of the oncoming vehicles, she cuts through the south-bound traffic and begins to get comfortable again. Unfortunately, it's now time to say goodbye. With a roar full of promise, she zooms out of sight.

Ahhh!!! The ultimate thrill of travelling in a double decker!!!

2 comments:

Everyman said...

At some parts, it sounded like a woman out shopping for groceries.. I am smitten by the red buses of Mumbai..esp the double dekkers..Unfortunately, the ones in Chennai are green..no..they're white..or are they blue?? BAH!!

You've been tagged by the way..visit for details !

Sumo said...

@ Shainu : GROCERIES!!!! GROCERIES????

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